Botev Plovdiv achieved a beautiful 2:1 victory over Ludogorets Razgrad in a match from the 22nd round of the First League. The match was played at the “Hristo Botev” stadium in Plovdiv.
The match was an official debut for Lachezar Baltanov at the head of the “yellow-blacks”. Botev’s players fought for success from the first to the last minute and deservedly congratulated themselves with the three points.
From the very first seconds, the “Canaries” showed their attitude for the match. A good opportunity opened up for Nikola Iliev, but the winger’s shot was cleared in front of the goal line.
The guests responded with a precise shot by Erik Marcus, saved by Daniel Naumov. 2 minutes later, Samuel Kalu, who had a wonderful game, shot into the far corner, but Sergio Padt intervened in the best way.
In the 17th minute, Ruan Cruz shot wide of Botev’s goal. At the very end of the first half, Naumov blocked shots from Marcus and Ruan Cruz.
The second half started with a superb goal by Botev. Samuel Kalu made a stunning pass to Nikolay Minkov, and the nr. 17 with a brilliant cross left Padt no chance – 1:0.
In the following minutes, Botev’s players skillfully managed to prevent massive pressure from the guests. In the 68th minute, Nikola Iliev’s shot went over the target.
This led to the 81st minute, when the visitors equalized. Vinicius crossed from a corner kick, and Nahmias headed the ball into the net at the near post – 1:1.
Seconds later, Nikola Soldo, who had a strong match, was sent off for a direct red card, and from the free kick, Ivaylo Chochev shot over the goal.
Despite their reduced squad, Botev’s team continued to search for victory. In the 89th minute, substitute Samuil Tsonov burst into the penalty area and launched a very dangerous pass, but a defender cleared it in front of Carlos Algarra.
The “yellow-black” magic in attack gave the necessary result in the third minute of added time. A double pass between Algarra and Tsonov ended with a pass to Nikola Iliev, the youth international found Carlos Algarra and the Spaniard, with a perfectly precise shot, threw all the “yellow-black” hearts into ecstasy.
BOTEV PLOVDIV: 29. Daniel Naumov – 17. Nikolay Minkov (k), 4. Nikola Soldo, 42. Ivaylo Videv, 27. Bryan-Anthony Hein, 45. Edson Silva – 90. Samuel Kalu, 7. Nikola Iliev, 11. Pedro Igor – 30. Franklin Mascote
Subs: Hristian Slavkov (sr), 2. Gabriel Noga, 87. Simeon Petrov, 19. Antoine Conte, 6. Gabriel Zlatanov, 38. Konstantinos Baloyannis, 13. Samuil Tsonov, 77. Lucas Araujo, 99. Aleksa Maras
Head coach: Lachezar Baltanov
